Chapter 12

It was November and even though it was fall, the California weather was kind as usual. On Friday Kate and Ana met Grace for lunch. They were both pregnant. Kate was due in April and Ana was due late May. Kate needed to come clean, because the timeline didn't fit. "Grace, I was pregnant before we got married." Grace smiled, "Yeah, I know. It's ok Kate."

Kate was shocked, "I was embarrassed." Grace held her hand, "Did you not hear my story about how Elliot and Christian arrived. Kate things happen. I can't think of two better women that will give me grandchildren. I love you."

The holidays were amazing. Thanksgiving was normal and everyone gathered at the family home even though they had their own. They also did the same at Christmas time and New Year's. Ana ran her 2nd feed the homeless for the holidays and it was a bigger success.

The family was hit with a blow in February. Carrick's father suffered a massive heart attack and died suddenly. They weren't close, not by a long shot, but it was still family. Even though Carrick Sr. turned his back on his son, his son never turned his back on him. "Grace, I always hoped we could make up. I should have tried harder." Grace stood by his side and offered him comfort.

Christian had a hard time. "All I can think about are my final words to him. I shouldn't have said it. I basically told him to die. Elliot put his arm around Christian. "I know he's family, but he was upset about a lot of things. He was unhappy with himself, you all weren't going to change that."

They had the funeral and he was laid to rest. Elliot was the only one who knew Carrick went to his father's grave everyday. A lawyer came to see him at work. It ended up being the biggest shock of his life. Carrick Sr. wanted his home sold and all money to go to TNT. He left them a letter. The lawyer smiled, "He came to see me a month ago and changed his entire will. He left this. Carrick waited until he was with his family to read it.

Dear Carrick,

I realized after you came to my home, that I was wrong. I turned my back on you son and I shouldn't have. Your mother will have my ass when I make it to heaven, we'll if I make it to heaven. Watching your son defend you made me realize I missed out on that. I know I don't know them, but I know they are everything good about you. Elliot has your sweet side, like your mother and Christian has passion and fire like me. The letter that Elliot sent me really set me straight. I know the money means nothing to you, so I felt it would be worthless to hand it to you. I decided to show you how much I really understand. Once everything is sold, invest it in TNT. I love you son.

Dad

Carrick looked at Elliot, "What did you tell him son?" Elliot smiled, "That he was making a mistake and he should try harder with you, with us. Elliot laughed, "I said it in the Christian Grey way though."

The family was just getting over that when they learned Ana's mother lost her life in a fire in March. Carla left the stove on and Ana's childhood home was burned completely. Neighbors told Ana she was acting strange and the police had been called several times due to her erratic behavior. Everyone was sure she was on drugs.

Christian saw Ana sitting in the rocking chair of the nursery. "Baby, are you ok?" Ana cried silent tears. "She was an awful mother. I don't want to be like her." Christian moved in front of her, "You aren't anything like her." Ana wiped her face, "Yeah? Then why don't I care that she's dead. I should care no matter how awful she was." Ana struggled after that and Christian talked to his mother, "Mom, she's not the same. She picks fights with me and I'm worried about her stress." Grace promised to keep an eye on her.

In April they had some good news, Kate went into labor. Elliot wiped her forehead, "Come on baby. You can do it." They both decided the birth would be a surprise. "Ok Kate, one more push for me." Kate pushed and screamed, but she did it. The doctor smiled, "You've got a girl!" Elliot cut the cord and they held their baby girl. "I love you Kate! Thank you so much."

The Greys waited to hear some news. Grace saw Ana sitting alone, "Hey, how are you holding up? You are next." Ana always appreciated Grace. "I'm not ok Grace, but I can't wait to meet my baby." Elliot came out and Grace held Ana's hand, "Take off tomorrow and come talk to me." Ana smiled, "Ok." Elliot smiled, "It's a girl! Kate did amazing." Christian wrapped his arms around Ana's waist and she melted in his arms. "Come on back and meet Ava Grace Grey."

The next day Ana took off and Christian didn't ask any questions. He knew it wasn't him or anything he was doing. He was just going to give her all the support she needed. Grace made her breakfast, "Sweetheart what's going on?"

Ana sighed, "Carrick Sr. wasn't nice, but when he died, everyone was sad. When my mom died, I didn't feel sad. I spent years feeling thankful that I wasn't like her, but maybe I am." Grace let her get it all out. "I don't think you are baby. I think you're in shock. I think your mind is occupied with the baby and I want you to be careful, because you do care Ana."

Ana had a small frame and was put on bed rest for the remainder of her pregnancy. Christian was leaving and kissed her cheek, "Mom's coming, but Mia woke up late and she needs to take her to school. Do you want me to stay until she comes?" Christian didn't know what happened, but it was like a dam opened. Ana cried, yelled, and screamed, but not at him. It was stress and frustration.

Christian never left her side and she finally stopped. "Christian?" He brushed her hair and held her, "Yeah baby." Ana kissed him, "I'm sorry I've not been nice." Christian smiled, "Let's blame it on hormones and call it even." Grace walked in, "Is everything ok?" Ana sat up, "No, my water broke."

They rushed her to the hospital and called everyone. Christian and Grace were by her side as she pushed. "Come on Ana sit up and push one more time." Ana held their hands and pushed hard. "It's a boy!" Ana cried again for the second time, but this was a happy cry. They called the family back, "Everyone meet Theodore Raymond Grey!" Ana held him, "But we are calling you Teddy sweet boy."

Mia clapped her hands, "I'm an Aunt times 2 and I have all summer to spend with my favorite niece and nephew. Ana laughed, "What are you going to say when we add another kid to the family? You can't have favorites."

Carrick looked around at his family and hugged Grace. Elliot and Kate were holding Ava while Christian and Ana held Teddy, "Baby we've come full circle." Carrick made an announcement, "Your mom and I are retiring. We want to travel, spend as much time with you and our grandchildren as possible. Cherish these moments."

THE END

Epilogue 5 years later

Elliot and Kate

Elliot took over the very first auto shop and still runs his pool business. Kate is still in charge of Grey Media. She works hard and loves her job. Ava is starting kindergarten this year. She has Kate's green eyes and strawberry blonde hair. 2 years after Ava, they welcomed Elliot Carrick Grey Jr. and he's Elliot's twin.

Christian and Ana

Christian and Ana still work for the business side of TNT and Grey Media. Teddy is starting kindergarten with Ava. He's her protector and looks like Christian the older he gets. 1 year after Teddy they welcomed a baby girl named Phoebe Carrie Grey. She has Ana's brown hair and blue eyes.

Carrick, Grace, and Mia

Carrick and Grace did retire after both of their grandchildren arrived. They took a trip to Dubai for 2 weeks and returned to spend time with Ava and Teddy. Every year since they take a trip to someplace new. The rest of their time is spent watching their 4 grandchildren. Mia will be a senior in high school. She's going to UCLA and plans to work for Grey Media. She spent every summer since 7th grade working with Kate in the summer.